Advice to My Younger Self

|| Dress: J.Crew (without open-back) || Slides: kate spade new york (similar style) || Earrings: Sugarfix by BaubleBar || Purse: kate spade new york (in black) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

The past four years I have found myself investing time into a group of young women. I volunteer at my church leading about ten girls (some weeks more, other times we have fewer). We started our journey together in seventh grade and now they are sophomores in high school. Throughout the years, we have had ups and downs. I must say, I think this generation has it a lot harder. The things that they are experiencing make my problems look minuscule. All of this got me thinking, if I could go back in time, what would I tell my younger self? Oh, the things I have learned on this crazy road trip that we call life. There must be something about turning 30, I find myself being reminiscent, thinking about my past and looking towards the future with excitement.

Dear Lindsey,

You are going to experience some struggles in your youth. Buckle up, buttercup, it's going to be a wild ride! You will be called names, put down and you will feel like an outsider. Your mom is right about a few things, for example, one day you will turn into your version of a beautiful swan. I know that seems impossible to believe, but don't give up! The years of glasses wearing, struggling with acne and wearing metal braces will give you the biggest blessing of all. You will learn to love yourself for who you are on the inside. Some people search their entire life yearning to find the meaning of life. Beleive it or not, you will escape your hometown, never look back and create your own path. Stay true to yourself, be kind to others and never give up on your dreams.

Love,

Lindsey

This backless sweater dress is a little out of my comfort zone. For whatever reason, anything backless feels so scandalous to me! I wish I had worn things like this much sooner in life. Now I don't see myself wearing this sweater dress at work, it is perfect for running around on the weekend. If you wanted to extend the life of the dress, you could wear a longer cardigan over it, covering the open back. To dress it up, wear knee-high black boots. To dress it town, pair it with white Converse sneakers.

I was a little worried about the dress sticking in the wrong places (if you know what I mean), so I wore a slip dress underneath, which seemed to work really well. Thank you, Nana, for teaching me to love and respect undergarments! I am a big fan of these satin slips. If you love this look but hate the open back, I have found an option for you! I promise you will see yourself reaching for this dress at least once a week.